BURY Clarion riders’ enthusiasm was not dampened by the rain when they took to the road for the Lumb Carr Road hill climb.

In a 30-strong turnout it was local rider Jude Taylor that took the overall win in a time of 2mins 14secs.

Jude is one of the best in the country and will look to bring his good form to the Rake in October.

Four seconds behind was the fastest Bury Clarion rider, Francis Woodcock whose 2:18 was 14 seconds slower than last year but his form should improve after the end of his exams.

Nigel Wood and Phil Shaw took on a attempt at the tandem record but fell four seconds short.

The event was lit up by a pre-event for three young riders from Bury Bullets.

Dylan Cadwallader, aged six, seven-year-old Benjamin Richardson and Toby Diggins, who is eight, rode the course before the event began.

None of the young trio were phased and, after local legend John Yates – the father of Simon and Adam – set them on their way they finished closely together with times of 7:24, 6:49 and 5:19.

Toby then raced at the Horwich festival of racing and won the under-10s’ race.

Later in the afternoon Dylan was joined by two of his Bullets team mates in a fun one-lap town centre race, an experience that should serve them well in future events.

“All of these kids have a love for cycling,” said coach Joe Cadwallader.

“Having worked with Francis Woodcock in the past I can say a love for the sport is vital.

“Like Francis, none of these kids need pushing and I expect to see them develop really well over the summer and set up for a good season of Cyclocross.”

Joe himself showed he can still ride, winning the bunch sprint in the senior event later that day for seventh place.

Other notable results from the weekend included Clarion’s all-round competition leader Gavin Wright clocking 54:56 in the Kent Valley 25TT, one of a number of impressive times this year, and Joanna Cebrat, the fastest female hill climber, completing the Dukinfield 50TT in 2:11:34.